Oando PLC, through its upstream subsidiary, Oando Energy Resources (OER), has once again reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s oil and gas industry through their active participation at the 2025 Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE), held in Lagos, Nigeria. As Silver Sponsors of this year’s event, the company proudly supported one of the foremost platforms for dialogue on industry reforms and sustainability.
Solomon Agba, General Manager, District Management, OER, joined industry leaders in a session focused on the Reforms and Sustainability of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry. The panel featured key stakeholders including representatives from Chappal Energies, the Petroleum Contractors Trade Section, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and NNPC Energy Services Limited.
In his remarks, Agba addressed some of the industry’s most pressing challenges,notably security, infrastructure and capacity building. He underscored the significant impact of insecurity on production, stating how pipeline breaches increase costs, compromise integrity, and, in some cases, permanently reduce output. “If we cannot fix the security problem, our national ambition of two million barrels per day will be unsuccessful,” he stated. “The cost of intervention and sectional replacements keeps mounting and yet, no one goes to jail.” He called for more decisive enforcement mechanisms, adding, “Until we fix prosecution, we cannot fix the security challenge. People are caught,but they go back to the business. There must be consequences.”
Highlighting the critical role of talent development, he revealed Oando’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of energy professionals through initiatives such as the Oando Graduate Acceleration Program (OGAP). According to him, thisprogram is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice. “We have established OGAP to attract the brightest young people and plug them into real-world industry experience,” he said. “It is our version of an industry finishing school, where seasoned professionals pass on knowledge that no classroom can offer.”
Turning to the gas sector, Agba emphasized the importance of securitization and infrastructure development to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s gas resources. “There are too many GSAs that have been executed but are not operational because there is no backstop mechanism to guarantee payment,”he explained. “You need the infrastructure, you need the securitization,otherwise gas delivery remains unsustainable.”
He noted that while Oando remains a leading supplier in both the domestic andexport markets, continued progress depends on strategic investment and regulatory clarity “For our domestic gas obligation, we are proud to be in the top echelon of suppliers. But we need to work together, operators,regulators, financiers, to make this sustainable.”
Oando’s participation at SPE NAICE 2025 was further marked by a proud moment of recognition at the Annual General Meeting and Awards Ceremony held on August 2nd,2025, at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, where the company received the Distinguished Corporate Support Award for its enduring contributions to the industry. This recognition, alongside their active engagement in thought leadership, underscores Oando’s unwavering commitment to driving reforms, fostering sustainability, and ensuring Nigeria’s energy future remains robust and inclusive.
